New Ulm weekly review., 1887-11-16
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, d. c., Nov. II, 1Ss

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One Of the loveliest places about
Washington is the National Cemetery
at Arlington, just across the river. Il
is the old historic homestead of the
Custis family, where Washington mar
ried Martha 1t was also the home OF
General Lee, at the breaking out of the
rebellion and was confscated by the
Government, but subsequently, pur-
chased from the Lee heirs by the Unit
ed States at cost OF $250,0 Nine
teen thousand Union soldiers lie buried
here. The grounds are laid out in
broad avenues shaded by primeval
oaks and towering elms, and the drives
and winding walks amid the flowers
and leafy dells and ravines that over.
look the Capital City. present view OF
unparalleled magniicence. There is
always throng OF visitors there, and
the stranger within our gates who fails
to visit Arlington, looses one Of the
loveliest scenes in all the land.
Another place of surprising beauty
is Oak Hill Cemetery, situated on Rock
Greek, in what is known locally as
West Washington, but in former times
as the old city Of Georgetown. Way
back, years ago, Georgetown was an
important place, and was made the
first port OF entry under the establish
ment of the Federal constitution. It is
a dingy looking place now with pop
ulation Of about 1900 with a large pre-
ponderance of the colored element.
The citizens show little enterprise COM
pared with the balance of the District,
and during the war it was emphatlcally
the secession hot bed of this section.
Nature made here the loveliest burial
place the eye ever rest upon, which has
been most beautifully adorned by the
lavish expenditure Of large sums. It
is handsomely laid out in terraces Civ
ing the most enchanting and pictur-
esque views of hill and valley and vista.
Eight thousand are buried here, many
of whom achieved great reputation in
craftsmanship, literature and art, and
won imperishable renown in defending
the Nations flag on sea and land. A
walk amid its shady bowers, polished
marble gentle cascades, and sparkling
fountains, inspires thought, softens ma
ture, and melts the heart. Thousands
every Sabbath seek this Elysian retreat,
and hold sweet communion with the
Beautiful Beyond.
A convention Of the Evangelical ALI.
ance'of the United States will COM
mence its annual session in this city on
Dec 9TH, and the churches are making
great preparations to receive the dele
gates, about 1900 of whom are expect.
ed to be present.
On the 26th of this month there will
be a most notable gathering at. the
Smithsonian Institute. of the leading
Scientists of the country in commemo.
ration of the late Prof. Baird. Tue
committee in charge are making elab-
crate preparations, and will publish a
memorial volume of the proceedings
which is intended to contain the grand
est scientific thought of the age. Many
of the distinguished scientists of Eng
land, France and Germany will partici
pate in the interesting occasion.
Most of the Cabinet officers have
completed their annual reports ane
furnished the President with synop
sis, the salient points Of which will ap
pear in the Presidents message.
| There is no doubt about frigid cold
ness between the Postmaster Genera
and his first Assistant, and Mr.. Villa
says he will not take the Interior Port
folio if Stevenson is to be elevated t,
the vacancy. A movement is made t,
secure the appointment Of Don M
Dickinson, Of Michigan, but this meet
with strong opposition on the groune
of giving the West two Cabinet posi-
tions. Stevenson's ambition has alien
ated many OF the western Democrats a
is likewise the case with Commission
ers Black and Sparks. Lamar vii
certainly be nominated to the Suprem,
Bench and then comes the making VI
Of the Cabinet dates.
| The Washington Navy Yard having
been changed to an ordnance plant
necessitates a large amount Of new
| machinery. There is now being bull
for use, among numerous other things
six huge iron lathes, $50 feet in length
and weighing 200 tons each. They ar,
models Of inventive genius, and are s.
/ constructed that work on both the in
side and outside of the mammoth gun